ASEAN countries are poised for a brighter energy future, driven by regional power connectivity, renewable energy expansion and India–ASEAN cooperation. With APAEC 2026–2030 targeting 45% renewable installed capacity by 2030, the ASEAN Power Grid promises stronger energy security, diversified electricity supplies, increased investment and a resilient, affordable, low-carbon regional energy ecosystem by 2045.

Energy cooperation is emerging as a key pillar of the expanding strategic and economic partnership between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Rapidly rising electricity demand, dependence on imported fuels and uneven distribution of renewable energy resources across Southeast Asia are making regional electricity connectivity increasingly important. Integrated energy networks can diversify supplies, strengthen energy security and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

For India, deeper energy engagement with ASEAN complements its Act East Policy, Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and broader Indo-Pacific connectivity objectives. At the 20th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Manila on 8 October 2026, India welcomed the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030 and reaffirmed its support for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). India and Singapore also confirmed they were exploring a proposed 2,000 MW electricity interconnection, marking an important development in regional energy cooperation.

APAEC 2026–2030: A Roadmap for Regional Integration

Endorsed at the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, APAEC 2026–2030 provides a five-year strategic framework for regional energy cooperation, with a long-term vision of a secure, resilient, interconnected and low-carbon energy system by 2045. Its priorities include regional connectivity, energy security, an accelerated energy transition and sustainable development. The seven programme areas cover the ASEAN Power Grid, oil and gas connectivity, clean coal transformation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, regional energy planning and civilian nuclear energy.

These targets underscore ASEAN’s commitment to expanding renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. The ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action 2026–2030 further supports their implementation through technical cooperation, regulatory coordination, capacity building and cross-border electricity connections. The ASEAN–India Green Fund and the Science and Technology Development Fund are identified as potential funding channels.

Proposed 2,000 MW India–Singapore Electricity Corridor

A significant emerging initiative is the proposed 2,000 MW (2 GW) electricity interconnection between India and Singapore, publicly outlined by Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik on 8 October 2026. One possible configuration is an approximately 3,000-kilometre land-based transmission corridor originating in Imphal in north-eastern India and passing through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia before reaching Singapore. If developed, the corridor could connect South and Southeast Asian electricity markets, provide Singapore with access to a wider pool of low-carbon electricity, and create opportunities for India and transit countries to participate in regional power trade. The proposal aligns with Singapore’s ambition to import around 6 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035.

India’s Clean-Energy Strength and Regional Contribution

India brings considerable experience in renewable energy development, transmission planning and large-scale power-system integration. As at 30 September 2026, India's installed power-generation capacity stood at 558.8 GW, including approximately 308 GW of non-fossil capacity, which accounted for 55% of the total. Furthermore, approximately 5.01 million rooftop solar installations had been reported under the PM Surya Ghar initiative as at 29 September 2026. These achievements provide a strong foundation for India's contribution to regional clean-energy cooperation.

At the October 2026 meeting, India offered to share expertise in renewable energy deployment, transmission planning, energy storage, green hydrogen and power-system integration. It also proposed stronger institutional cooperation between the ASEAN Centre for Energy and Indian organisations. At the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit in 2025, India announced support for training 400 professionals in grid connectivity. The 2026–2030 action plan also identifies potential cooperation on pilots for hydrogen and ammonia, carbon capture and bioenergy. Thus, India's contribution extends beyond electricity trade to include technological cooperation, institutional partnerships and professional capacity building.

Energy Security and the Indo-Pacific Green Transition

Interconnected electricity networks offer three important benefits. First, diversified electricity supplies can reduce dependence on individual fuels and generating regions, strengthening energy security. Second, cross-border trading can help countries manage seasonal hydropower variations and fluctuations in solar and wind generation. Third, regional electricity markets can encourage investment in renewable generation, energy storage and transmission infrastructure.

For India, this partnership strengthens its role in regional clean-energy cooperation, while ASEAN gains access to technological expertise and institutional capabilities. Together, the partners can advance sustainable development and strengthen the Indo-Pacific's emerging low-carbon energy architecture.

The Way Forward

India and ASEAN should prioritise joint technical and environmental assessments, realistic electricity demand and supply projections, transparent transit agreements, and commercially sustainable trading arrangements. Alternative transmission routes should also be evaluated. Meanwhile, renewable energy training, green hydrogen, and other technological partnerships can advance independently of the proposed transmission project.

In conclusion, India–ASEAN energy cooperation is entering an important phase, moving beyond conventional energy security towards the integration of renewable electricity, regional connectivity and low-carbon technological partnerships. APAEC 2026–2030 provides a structured roadmap towards ASEAN’s 2030 renewable energy aspirations and its 2045 vision. The existing 10.2 GW of operational interconnection capacity and LTMS-PIP demonstrate tangible progress in regional electricity trade.

The proposed 2,000 MW India–Singapore connection could become another significant milestone, linking South and Southeast Asian electricity markets. India's 558.8 GW generation capacity, including 308 GW of non-fossil capacity, and its institutional expertise provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation.

By translating strategic commitments into viable infrastructure, effective regulatory cooperation and sustained technological partnerships, India and ASEAN can build a more secure, interconnected, affordable and sustainable Indo-Pacific energy future.